Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom ejected after dispute with Chicago Sky guard Natasha Cloud

Former NBA center Enes Kanter Freedom said he was escorted out of a Chicago Sky-Indiana Fever game at Wintrust Arena after a verbal exchange with Sky guard Natasha Cloud. Freedom said the incident began when he celebrated a three-point shot by Fever guard Sophie Cunningham, raising his hands in celebration. He claimed Cloud responded by shouting, "She’s not gonna sleep with you," and then approached him while using profanity in front of children.

"She started to yell, use very heavy language and actually cuss," Freedom said.

According to Freedom, Cloud’s approach occurred late in the third quarter, after she scored and celebrated with teammate Aicha Coulibaly. He suggested his shirt, which read "WOMAN noun. adult human female," may have contributed to the confrontation.

Security personnel asked Freedom to leave the arena without providing a specific reason. He said he asked an arena employee not to touch him while being escorted out and reiterated that his presence was not related to any transgender-related debate.

Sky coach Tyler Marsh defended Cloud, stating the team values her protective role. Cloud later posted a message on Threads expressing support for transgender individuals, though Freedom said the exchange was unrelated to that issue.

Freedom, who announced plans to enter the 2027 WNBA draft to challenge the league’s eligibility rules for transgender athletes, said the incident has increased his motivation to compete in the league. He expressed interest in playing for the Indiana Fever and indicated a willingness to discuss the matter directly with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert.

The Fever defeated the Sky 113-90. Freedom, attending his first WNBA game in person, said he was there as a fan and to support women’s basketball.